Your mouth consists of many different working parts, each designed with a unique purpose. Although it might seem as if this facial component is used only to eat, speak, and smile, its elements do much more. Read on to learn more about your mouth, its parts, and what they are all meant to do.
Basic Anatomy: What Makes Up Your Mouth?
There are five basic parts of the mouth: the lips and cheeks, the tongue, the salivary glands, the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), and the teeth, gums, and alveolar bone.
To understand how each works, here is a brief explanation:
Lips and Cheeks
The strength your mouth exhibits comes from your lips and cheeks. Consisting of muscles, they enable facial expressions such as smiling and frowning. They’re also powerful enough to make speaking and kissing easy. These components help you chew without letting food spill out, breathe easily, and keep your teeth in their proper position.
Tongue
Your tongue contains thousands of taste buds that allow you to determine if you like what you are eating or drinking. It pushes food toward the back of your mouth to facilitate proper digestion, after ensuring you chew thoroughly. It also makes speech clearer when speaking with others.
Teeth, Gums, and Alveolar Bone
Teeth can withstand daily wear and tear because they consist of hard enamel. They allow you to speak and eat various foods, and are connected to your jawbone by their roots. Surrounding this area is the alveolar bone, which holds your teeth steady, so they do not shift out of alignment.
Your gums protect your teeth and their roots, helping prevent decay from reaching these areas.
Salivary Glands
Saliva is pivotal in preventing decay, cavities, and gum disease. Capable of neutralizing acids and flushing bacteria out of your mouth, these glands also keep your mouth moist, making it easier for you to talk, chew your food, and swallow without choking.
Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs)
The temporomandibular joints sit on both sides of your head and act as a hinge that connects your jawbone to the base of your skull. When working correctly, the joints allow you to open and close your mouth with ease. Eating, talking, and yawning are fluid actions when you can freely move your lower jaw in all directions.
The mouth is the gateway to the body, so understanding how it works can help you be proactive in caring for your oral health day after day.
About the Author
Dr. Udoka Holinbeck is a holistic dentist serving patients of all ages. She is highly trained and provides preventive dentistry to help individuals better care for their oral health. In addition to general exams and cleanings, she and the Bionica Dental Wellness team provide patient education to deepen a patient’s understanding of how oral anatomy works and why it’s essential to avoid common dental problems. Visit our website or call (262) 746-7152 to schedule an appointment and learn more about your smile.